The Mobile Press-Register published an article on its website Friday alleging that BP has been offering lucrative contracts and signing bonuses to top scientists at universities around the Gulf of Mexico as part of its defense against oil spill litigation.
BP PLC even tried to sign up the entire marine sciences department at an Alabama university. The university declined due to confidentiality requirements the company sought to impose.
Scientists from Louisiana State University, Mississippi State University and Texas A&M University have already accepted offers, according to academic officials.
Robert Wiygul, an Ocean Springs, Miss., lawyer who specializes in environmental law, said after reviewing a copy of an agreement, said: "This is not an agreement to do research for BP. This is an agreement to join BP's legal team." He also said it buys silence as well as services, due to its confidentiality clauses.
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http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2010/07/bp_buying_up_gulf_scientists_f.html
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